Category: #favorites

ColourPop “Going Coconuts” Collection | First Impression Review & Swatches

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I really try to stay mindful about my makeup purchases and remember that I don’t “need” any of these new releases. Whenever I saw this new Going Coconuts Collection from ColourPop… I threw caution to the wind and purchased every single item! If you’ve followed my blog for awhile, you know that I tend to wear really natural, brown toned eyeshadows and nude lipsticks. This collection included a very wearable 9 pan eyeshadow palette with all neutral shades, 3 super shock shadows in all bronze tones, 2 bronzers, and 4 sheer lipsticks that are all natural flushes of color. It was a no brainer that I picked this entire set of products up on the day it launched! I also added their Lippie Balm and Scrub, and their Coconut Face Milk to my cart too! I needed to get the whole tropical vibes experience. I have only used these products for 2 days in a row, so this is definitely a “First Impression Review,” but with the holidays quickly approaching, I wanted to show you guys what I loved and what I liked from this ColourPop Coconut Collection for you to gift, or for you to treat yourself with!

Going Coconuts Palette | $12 |

Whenever I first saw this palette, it actually stood out to me as being different from anything I’ve owned. Hear me out, it has a really good mix of cool tones and a few bright, shimmering shades that have silver and rose gold undertones. There isn’t anything that’s overly warm or golden, which I actually found refreshing from all the recent orange and red-tones palettes I’ve seen released. Not only is this super wearable for daily looks, but I think this would be a stunning special occasion palette. You could create the most beautiful wedding day, glam look using these shades! I love that the packaging is a hard plastic, as opposed to cardboard and it has a mirror inside. This is an ideal travel palette for me! The only con that I notice is that the metallic shades are crumbly, so you need to barely tap your finger into the pan to prevent them from smashing and breaking off into little pieces! I made the mistake of going full speed ahead into “Palm Reader” and had to gently pat it back into place after almost ruining it!

Shredded – satin matte cream

Palm Reader – metallic icy silver

Coolada – cool toned brown with gray undertones

Lovely Bunch – warm light brown

Coco Crush – metallic rose gold

Shell Yeah – satin matte terracotta

Get Crackin – cool toned dark brown with silver glitter

Da Coco – metallic taupe brown with silver and gold shimmer

Nutty – matte cool toned dark brown

Call Me On My Shellphone Super Shock Shadow Trio

The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are one of my favorite formulas! They’re a cream-to-powder finish and have a bouncy texture when you touch them. I always use my finger to apply these. I think you get maximum color payoff by patting them into your eyelid, rather than swiping with a brush. These shimmer shades are super pigmented and foiled on the kids! They catch the light so beautifully and I guarantee you will have people complimenting your eyeshadow when you use one these! You can buy these separately for $6, or all three in a trio for $15. I used the shade descriptions from the ColourPop website for the rest of the items in this collection because I think they’re pretty accurate and I’m terrible at trying to describe these things! 😂

Peekaboo | $6 | “metallic ivory with silver glitter”

A Little Quarky | $6 | “peachy gold with blue & silver glitter”

Deep Dive | $6 | “bronze with purple and gold glitter”

Just a Tint Lip

Okay, where has this lip product been my entire life?! Girls, this is such a comfortable, hydrating lip crayon that perfectly tints your lips with a natural hue and a lip balm finish! These are definitely not high pigment, full coverage lippies, but they will give you a healthy looking hydration and sheer wash of color in an instant! I love the crayon-like shape of these because you can so easily line your lips and fill them in using one product. I have a feeling I’m going to be using these a ton in the next few months!

Island Time | $7 | “a sheer pinky nude”

Shaka | $7 | “a sheer yellow toned nude”

Waikiki | $7 | “a sheer cool toned pink”

Nude Beach | $7 | “a sheer mahogany”

Bronzer

These are my first pressed bronzers from ColourPop and I was definitely not disappointed! I purchased both shades because I usually mix my bronzers anyway and wanted to check for consistency in the formula. So the bad news is, these are SUPER dusty, like I barely pressed my bronzer brush into the pan and had major kick-up and fallout. These kind of made a mess on my vanity and I didn’t like that at all… However, once applied, these are such a pretty, sheer-to-medium powder! They build up beautifully on the skin and gave such a natural bronze flush to my cheeks. If you’re light to medium skin tone, I think you’ll really love “Coconut Beach” and if you’re medium to dark, then “Talk to the Palm” will be your best friend. These are the very pigmented and you just need to barely tap your brush into the pan to get full color payoff. Just be careful with how powdery they are! I would recommend using a fluffy bronzer brush, rather than a densely packed contour brush because the bristles will be more whispy and light, allowing you to not disrupt this extremely, finely milled bronzer!

Coconut Beach | $8 | “a neutral golden bronze”

Talk to the Palm | $8 | “a neutral matte warm bronze”

Coco Loco Kit

This kit seemed like such a good set for this time of year! I have a serious phobia about dry, cracking lips and I do everything in my power to keep them looking hydrated and smooth at all times! These items are sold separately, or you can purchase them both in a kit! I think the set would make such a perfect stocking stuffer for any age girl in your life!

Coco Loco Lippie Balm | $6 | “Clear Balm”

I love the squeeze tube of this lippie balm! These are so much more sanitary than the pots of balm that you constantly have to put your finger in. This formula contains shea butter, vitamin e, coconut and macadamia oil. This smells like a tropical paradise and gives such a shiny finish to my lips!

Coco Loco Lippie Scrub | $6 | “Clear Scrub”

I love how gentle this lippie scrub is! I can tell that it’s exfoliating dead skin off, but it still feels like it’s hydrating my lips at the same time. This is made with raw sugar, shea butter, cupuacu butter, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. I try to exfoliate my lips at least twice a week to make sure that they look smooth and fresh!

FOURTH RAY BEAUTY

Coconut Face Milk | $14 |

If you didn’t know already, ColourPop has a sister company called Fourth Ray Beauty, which primarily develops natural skincare products. They’re known for their face milks and setting sprays! This Coconut Face Milk is of course, formulated with Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil, but it’s also has Marshmallow Root, and Aloe for additional skin nourishment. I applied 2-3 drops of this on my bare face, before makeup application and let it sink in for about a minute. I felt like it kept my skin looking hydrated and set nicely underneath my makeup. I don’t think it replaces my use for a primer, but I liked it for a moisturizing first step to my makeup routine!

As you have read, I really loved this “Going Coconuts” makeup collection by ColourPop. I felt like it all looked so gorgeous once applied to the face and inspired me to create more looks. I think you can go natural or bold with this palette and the super shock shadows will add such a gorgeous, glossy layer of sparkle on top! If you only get one, I would say “A Little Quarky” was the most unique! The lip tints were another standout product because they felt so good and looked beautiful on my lips! I didn’t think they lasted for a long time, but I honestly didn’t expect them to! They’re a sheer, lightweight formula and sometimes you can’t have your cake and eat it too! On an every day basis, I don’t mind reapplying every other hour if I love the color and love the way it feels on my lips. My absolute favorite shade out of the bunch was “Shaka”! Have you been loving ColourPop’s weekly new releases? I actually enjoy seeing the new collections and look forward to their announcements, but I know some people feel like the brand is not as “exclusive” if they’re always promoting new things. If this a brand you really love, then please let me know, because I really love reviewing their things and their price point is wonderful! I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend. Only a few more days until Thanksgiving, yay! Thank you so much for reading!

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October Favorites!

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I feel like I always say this, but WOW this month flew by! I feel like this entire year is going by fast. As always, I’m bringing you my monthly round up of the top products I used and loved throughout October! These posts are so much fun for me to write. I get an opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on the things I’ve been using and give insight into application, wear time, etc., which could only be determined over a period time. If you like these types of posts, please “like” and share with your fellow makeup lovers and leave a comment so we can talk about your loves for the month of October!

Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick | Sephora, $36.

I’m going to start off this review by stating who may not love this type of foundation stick… If you like full coverage, want your base makeup to look flawless, or have combo/oily skin… I wouldn’t recommend this to you. If you like light coverage, want your face to look natural (freckles still showing, etc) and have dry skin, I think you would love this! I picked up the Milk Makeup foundation stick to wear on days where I do a very minimal routine and need some extra hydration. Now that the Fall and soon-to-be Winter is here, I’ve noticed that my skin is becoming more dry and needs that extra layer of a moisturizing foundation throughout the day! I apply this by drawing lines all over my face, then blending it all out with a flat top brush to get maximum coverage. This is great for the “no makeup makeup” look because your moles and freckles will still show, but you’ll have an even skin tone and can build coverage on areas where you may need additional concealing. I love this for traveling too because it’s in stick form and can easily be applied on the go! I love the shades in this line as well. “Golden Sand” is so complimentary to my olive complexion.

Ilia Soft Focus Setting Powder | Sephora, $34

If you only buy one thing from this post, this is what you need to get! On my quest for finding clean beauty products that perform better than their less natural competitors, I stumbled upon the Ilia translucent powder. This has become holy grail status for me! It is talc-free, which helps my sensitive skin stay clear and healthy! Since using this powder, I have not produced any mila bumps near my eyes and it’s all because of it being talc-free. I’ve become so reliant on this powder and *dramatic statement ahead* but I really don’t like the way my makeup looks whenever I use something different to set my face. This is my one and only to help prolong the wear of my makeup, aide in oil control, and improve the softness of my skin!

PÜR Skin Perfecting Powder After Glow | Ulta Beauty, $26.

I am a complete highlight addict. I own a shameful amount of golden, champagne shimmers that give my face a gorgeous glow! This one from PUR is absolutely stunning! I would describe the shade as a true bright gold that is highly reflective. You’re definitely going to get the “wet look” with this product. A little goes a very long way, so you definitely get your money’s worth! I love using this as an inner corner highlight shade to brighten and widen the shape of my eyes too. The texture is so creamy and finely milled, which makes this a dream to blend! This was a product that honestly shocked me because I haven’t heard it talked about yet. It really encouraged me to check out some more products by PUR!

CoverGirl TruNaked Queenship Shadow Sticks | Ulta, $9.99.

One of my favorite “throw on and go” products are the CoverGirl shadow sticks in the shades “Frivolous” and “Leading Lady”. I love these two colors for different reasons! Frivolous is a super bright rose gold color that has a ton of champagne shimmer throughout. Once applied, this maintains is brilliance throughout the entire day! The glitters do not transfer and the color doesn’t fade as time goes on. Truly impressive for this price point! I love the matte cool brown color in Leading Lady to use as a smoked out eyeliner color on quick makeup days where I need to swipe something across the lids and quickly blend out for an effortless smudged look. The only con to this product is that once is sets, it’s set. These really don’t budge, so you have a short amount of time to blend and manipulate the color in any way before it is completely budge proof on your eyes. There are a few other shades in this line that I’m dying to try, but these 2 have been in heavy rotation throughout the month of October!

Neutrogena Lip Gloss Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine, Berry Brown | Target, $8.39.

As much as I wish I was sharing a bold, cranberry lip color with you for Fall…that’s just not the reality of my daily life! It’s so nice to have a gloss to apply on the go, without having the fear of precision or transfer! This Neutrogena gloss is so hydrating that it honestly gives your lips a plumper appearance, without the stinging sensation that most plumping products will give you! The shade “Berry Brown” has a hint of mauve and a gorgeous warmth, making it a lovely Fall lip color option if you prefer a more natural look! The texture is hydrating without feeling heavy or sticky. You really can’t go wrong with this line of glosses! I own a few different colors and every shade is consistently wonderful.

Thank you so much for reading my monthly favorites for October! These aren’t the most festive products or “on theme” for Fall, but this is what I truly used and never wanted to put down! I hope it gave you some good ideas for products to pick up the next time you’re browsing the isles of Sephora and Ulta. As always, I would LOVE to know the products you’re adoring for the month, so please leave me a comment with your top picks too!

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Warm and Cozy Fall Favorites!

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Is Fall everyone’s favorite season? Because wow, it really seems like we’re all just in complete agreement that this is the best, most beautiful time of year! Of course, I love the way the leaves are changing and how comfortably cool the weather becomes. But….what I really love the most about Fall is how cozy everything starts to get! The thick sweaters, the warm blankets, the flickering, pumpkin scented candles; I’M HERE FOR ALL OF IT! I rounded up a list of my current favorite items for this time of year (non-beauty because that could be an entire blog post in itself). I included a few different categories of products for variety! Let me know if you enjoy reading these non-makeup posts because this was really fun to write!

Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap | Acorn Spice

If you’ve never tried Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products, then you are really missing out! They are a clean brand, which also includes being phthalate free, paraben free, cruelty free, and dye free. I have sensitive skin, that dries out easily during this time of year. Most scented soaps aren’t as gentle on my hands, but these feel so luxurious and hydrating. I can’t get enough! I have the scents Acorn Spice (pictured), Apple Cider, and Oat Blossom. I have their multi surface cleaner in a couple of these Fall scents as well and they are lovely! Anything that makes cleaning more enjoyable, right?! I just saw they came out with their Winter scent in Snow Drop, which I haven’t tried yet. I’ll be sure to pick one up and let you guys know if it’s good!

Bath & Body Works | 3 Wick Candles | Marshmallow Fireside and Mahogany and Teakwood

I have repurchased both of these candles multiple years in a row! I don’t think I’ve ever tried to describe scents before, so here is my best attempt! Marshmallow Fireside has a sweet, campfire scent. I can actually detect the marshmallow smell in it, but it still has the outdoor woodsy feel, which helps tone down the sweetness. I love this one so much! I’ve heard Mahogany and Teakwood described as the smell of Abercrombie haha! It does have a more masculine, cologne scent, but it’s so clean and light! It’s a good one to light when you have people coming over because it won’t give an overpowering, heavy throw, which can sometimes cause headaches to those super sensitive to smell. Both of these candles are husband approved too! This packaging is so beautiful too. I’ve been loving their more neutral, modern designs.

Vici Collection | Camel Hat

This precious wool hat gives any outfit a cooler vibe! If you’ve ever wanted to dress up a simple t shirt and jeans look, then I would definitely try incorporating a hat like this into your wardrobe! Even though it has a western style, I still pair this with more bohemian and classic styled outfits. Sometimes I can get a little stressed trying to pick out accessories, but this hat goes with so much that it’s a no brained to add onto casual and more dressy outfits in the Fall! This camel color is so versatile too!

Sam Edelman | Suede Pointed Booties

I just checked online and I can’t find this exact style anywhere! Ugh. The Sam Edelman Welles booties we’re part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and once they were sold out, I never saw them restocked again. Although I can’t find this exact shoe, I’m going to link some similar versions on my LIKEtoKNOW.it! The main reason I love these so much are because they’re a tan suede, with a gorgeous pointed toe. This helps elongate my otherwise short legs! This color matches so many different outfits and they’re a really comfortable heel height. Sam Edelman is one of my favorite shoe brands because I think they’re consistently putting out high quality shoes at a reasonable price point. I would always wait until their shoes go on sale! I feel like things are always being marked down on Nordstrom and the Sam Edelman website. I never pay full price for this brand of shoes!

Barefoot Dreams | CozyChic Throw

This blanket was one of my top selling items from my blog! You guys loved this Barefoot Dreams blanket in the white and gray stripe! I love wrapping up in this on a crisp October night. It feels like butter and keeps me so warm. Even my husband is obsessed with this fabric! There’s really nothing like it. These blankets can be pricey, but I would check Nordstrom Rack and QVC before buying full price, because you can usually find them discounted at those 2 places! This would make such an amazing Christmas present! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love getting a blanket! I highly recommend anything from this brand. Everything I’ve tried has been such top tier quality. LOVE Barefoot Dreams, I’m officially obsessed!

Vici Collection | Teddy Bomber Jacket

If I could wear this terracotta color every single day… I would! I’m obsessed with the texture of these Teddy jackets! This one is so incredibly warm and is lined with a matching satin fabric. It has a relaxed fit, cute pockets, and the precious ribbed trim around the bottom and cuffs of the jacket. I just checked their website and it’s currently sold out, but you can have Vici notify you once it’s back in stock, by clicking the “Email Me When More Are Available”. They have it in black and sage! It’s such a great weight for keeping you warm, but not overly insulated when it’s like 55-65 degrees outside! I got so many compliments when I wore this out and I’m excited to keep styling it throughout the rest of Fall!

What did you think about my Fall picks? Do you share any of the same favs? Anything that creates that warm and fuzzy feeling is a must have for me! I would love to know what you use to keep cozy throughout this Autumn season! Leave me a comment with your top picks!

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Zoeva Limited Edition Melody Eyeshadow Palette | Review & Swatches

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Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Hello! With so many new eyeshadow palettes releasing at once, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through the initial hype and find the real gems out there! I (like most people) am drawn to things that are in beautiful packaging. It’s one of the best marketing techniques to put something in appealing packaging on an attention grabbing display. I saw this Zoeva Melody palette online at Ulta. The outer covering is obviously gorgeous with the holographic butterflies and modern font, but the inside is what really got me. The shades range from basic matte neutrals to unique duo chrome shades. I had to have it! In this post, I’ll be explaining the pros and cons of this palette, what I like and don’t like, and whether or not I feel like it’s worth the $28 price tag. Let’s get started!

Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Upon first glance, I was impressed that this palette seemed so well balanced. There is a good variety of everyday colors that I would feel comfortable wearing to work, mixed in with some fun pops of purple, green, that would be perfect for a night out! I liked the amount of mattes vs shimmers and felt that the range had enough depth to prevent the colors from blending out to one similar shade after application. Next, I began swatching these colors and realized that they were super buttery and pigmented! The duo chrome shades were so eye catching, as you can see below. Depending on the lighting, they would shift to a different color and create a really cool effect. I liked that this palette offered something different than a lot of my others.

Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Shades: (from Ulta’s website description)

• Gowns Swirling (matte porcelain pink with glitter)

• Airy Dalliance (satin delicate apricot)

• Gentle Clasp (satin cool blue with glitter)

• Cocoon of Doubt (satin antique gold)

• Fly Solo (matte cool ash brown)

• From Heaven (duochrome rose satin base with icy blue shift)

• Whirled Above (matte sandy maple brown sugar)

• Crystal Wings (duochrome rust-red satin base with golden green shift)

• Soul Unheld (shimmer golden honey bronze)

• About to Leave (matte rich espresso brown)

In my swatches, you can see how richly pigmented and metallic these shades are. However, once applied to the eyes, they do lose that BAM, in your face, sparkle quality…which is unfortunate, because I personally love glitter! However, for some people, that may be exactly what they want! I don’t want to say that I don’t approve of this palette, because I am happy to have it in my collection and I know I will use it, but I’m not in love with it. Since the shimmers are so finely milled, they translate to more of a satin finish on the eyes. I tried using a dry brush, wet brush, and my fingertip. All tools produced the same effect. A soft, diffused wash of color that differed from the way the shadow appeared in the pressed pan and the way it looks with an arm swatch. It was disappointing only because I expected it to look one way, not because it’s an ugly palette. It did last on my eyes all day and I did get compliments on my makeup, but I just wanted it to be more of a true representation of the shades that were in each pan. I noticed the duo-chromes were the most sheer, which was sad because I was looking most forward to those when I purchased the palette. The mattes are actually a beautiful formula and couldn’t be more blendable. I would love to try a Zoeva palette full of mattes now that I’ve tested this one! If I had to give an actual ranking on this palette, I would say it’s a 6/10 just because it’s not my type. He’s not ugly, he’s just not my type! 😂 If you’re looking for something that’s mainly sheer satin shades with a few buttery mattes, then you would love this palette!

Looking back at the 2 eye looks I created, I think they look pretty and simple, even though I incorporated about 5 different shades in each picture. Again, I’m not blown away by the end result and I’m not telling anyone “You need this palette ASAP!” even though it is limited edition. I would love for every review I bring to you to be glowing and positive, but the reality is, not every product out there is a home fun. I rely heavily on these types of posts to make informed buying decisions and that’s why I wanted to publish this, even though it’s not my new favorite palette! For some, this may be what sways you not to get it and for others, you may see this palette and think “that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for!” It really is all preference and mine is to be full of glitter and high pigmentation at all times haha! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this review and check out my swatches/awkward makeup faces! I would love to know your opinion of this Melody Palette in the comments below. Let me know if there is a better application technique too! I learn from my readers every day, so all input is welcome and encouraged. 😌 Have a great week everyone! See you next Sunday! ❤️

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My Most Loved Hair Products!

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When I am thinking about new blog ideas, I try to stick with content that I’m confident in! That is why you mainly see beauty-based posts. I have started to publish more fashion posts and really want to branch out into health and lifestyle writing as well! I get a lot of requests for my favorite hair products, but between you and me… I know zero things about hair! I have picked up tips and tricks from different stylists and I always make sure to ask a lot of questions at my appointments, but I still stick to what I know and don’t branch out too much when it comes to hair products.

Although I may not be super adventurous and monitor every new product release, I have discovered what works and what does not work over the years. To give you a little insight into my hair type, it is pin straight, thin, slightly damaged from having balayage color, and very long in length! When I look for shampoo and conditioner, I search for words like “volumizing, voluminous, thickening” – you catch my drift. I need as much help as I can get when it comes to my flat hair! I also enjoy using products to help reverse my dry ends and the inevitable damage that comes with color treated hair. I only want to continue going lighter (my hair is naturally dark brown) and purple toning shampoo has been my best friend! I gathered the products I use on a daily/weekly basis that I know work great for me and wanted to tell you why they have each been repeat purchases!

Joico, K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner 

I was encouraged to buy this shampoo and conditioner from a stylist that claimed her overly processed blonde hair was reversed back to it’s original healthy condition after using these two products together! I rotate this shampoo and condition into my weekly routine and I notice such a difference in how shiny and strong my hair feels after! I don’t think this K-Pak line will help with volume, but I still love how gorgeous my hair looks after I use it!

Joico, Body Luxe Shampoo & Conditioner 

This is the daily shampoo and conditioner that I use to keep my hair looking thick and clean! I buy the big mama sizes because I go through this stuff so quickly since I HAVE to wash my hair every day! I wish I could be a dry shampoo girl, but it’s so hard for me to get into! It does a great job at pumping up the thickness of my roots and giving me natural looking, voluminous hair that lasts all day long! I love the scent of the Body Luxe line too!

Rahua, Voluminous Shampoo 

The price tag of this product has me so shook, but I’m also so willing to pay it because I use it sparingly (only for special occasions) and I need the smallest amount to cover my entire head! It has the best natural/minty smell and it gives me super thick and volumized hair. It looks like I have teased my whole head once I finish blow drying after using this shampoo. I notice the biggest “before and after” difference with this product, so I will continue purchasing, but I wish they made it in a larger size that was more affordable per ounce, like Joico does with their liter sized bottles. One day!

Joico, Color Balance Purple Shampoo

I use a purple toning shampoo at least once a week! I apply it all over my head and leave on for 5-10 minutes so it can break down all the brassiness and give me the ashy tone of my dreams! This one does a great job at getting my blonde to be bright and neutral, without looking too gray! I also feel like it doesn’t dry out my hair as badly as some other toning shampoos have in the past! Although I use this for my balayage, I think it would be awesome for natural blondes that just want their hair to have a little added brightness!

Alterna Bamboo Volume 48-Hour Sustainable Volume Spray

This is the only styling product that I use every single day! I spray this on my roots when my hair is slightly damp and once I’m finished blow drying, I’m left with super thick and voluminous hair! I can 100% tell a difference on the days when I use this VS the days that I don’t use it! It is a MUST HAVE! I have repurchased this spray 4-5 times and I have no intention of ever stopping, it is SO GOOD!

I would love to know your most loved shampoo and conditioner combo! If you have fine, thin hair, please leave suggestions for thickening products in the comments! I would love to try something new! Have a great week and thank you for reading!

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Winter Fashion Favorites!

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For this Maryland girl, cold weather style is all about staying warm and layering! I am about 5’3 and sometimes the combination of puffy coats, thick scarves and chunky knit sweaters can make me look like an unattractive marshmallow gal. Since I know the struggle of finding flattering, cozy clothes, I wanted to share with you some of my recent favorite pieces that have been on repeat all Winter! Many of these items look cute paired together, or worn separately; just depending on the occasion! I purchase a lot of my clothes from Nordstrom because they have an awesome points program, as well as top notch customer service in case you may have to return or exchange an item. I think you can definitely find similar styles from other stores though!

Elodie “Decon Longline Denim Jacket”

I didn’t realize how much I would wear an oversized, distressed denim jacket, until I purchased an oversized distressed denim jacket. You guys, I am SHOCKED at how many different ways I can wear this piece. I have layered a thick knit turtleneck, a hoodie, a big scarf; literally ANYTHING! I love the medium wash of this jacket because I can pair it with dark denim and I don’t look like a Mom from the 90’s in an all-jean outfit! The distressed look gives a super casual vibe, but you can dress it up with leather leggings and over-the-knee boots! I am just super happy I bought this and I think I’m going to find so many ways to easily transition this jacket into the Spring months!

adidas “Originals Trefoil Crewneck Sweatshirt”  

I love this Adidas “Originals” crewneck because it’s super comfortable and oversized (with pockets, people) but it helps give any outfit a trendy vibe, without being over-the-top! I am 25 and although I feel young enough to wear certain trends, I also don’t want to have an identical outfit to someone that is 10 years younger. This simple black and white top can be paired with denim or leggings! I think this looks adorable when worn underneath the denim jacket, but I love wearing it with a black bomber jacket for a casual, sporty look.

SPANX “Faux Leather Leggings” 

The BEST leather leggings that I have ever tried! They are the perfect combination of being stretchy and comfortable, while also holding their shape and flattering your curves! I am a size 4 and sized up to a Medium in these! I bought these on sale from Anthropologie, but I would also pay the full-price amount because I wear these constantly. I love the look of an oversized top with something more fitted on the bottom. You can dress these up or down and I know you will find a million different ways to style these edgy leggings.

Joe’s Jeans “Unpicked Hem Denim”

Joe’s Jeans are my absolute favorite fitting denim! They don’t stretch out in the waist, but still manage to miraculously fit my curvy lower half! I find it so hard to find jeans that just fit everywhere and these definitely work so well for me! The ankle cut actually fits me perfectly too, so I don’t have to worry about finding “Petite” or “Short” length in this brand. I love this pair in particular because they have the unpicked hem, which looks so cute against my Vans or booties! The distressed medium wash goes so well with darker tops! This is definitely another piece that I will be able to style in the Spring and Summer too!

adidas “Swift Run Sneaker” in the option “Clear Brown and White” 

These shoes are so comfortable and I love the neutral color. I have been wearing these non-stop! They pair so well with all of my “athleisure” outfits, but I would also feel comfortable working out in these as well! I loved how affordable these were too!

J.Crew Factory “Cozy Marled Pom Pom Hat” 

I have seen so many fashion bloggers wearing these pom pom hats and I am so proud to jump on the bandwagon! These will make an ordinary outfit super cozy and cute. I love this color combination because I wear a lot of black, gray, navy, and white! This one is super warm and I get a ton of compliments when I wear it out!

What have been your recent fashion favorites? What are your favorite stores to shop at? I would love to know! Thank you so much for reading this blog post and for supporting me through 2017. Whether you took the time to leave a sweet comment, follow me on Instagram, show your support in ANY WAY, just know it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. My big 2018 goal is to put out really helpful and fun content, I want people to go to my blog when they need advice and a laugh. Blogging and connecting with people is what I am most passionate about and I am excited to begin investing more and more into this dream of mine! I hope you all have the best day, I am so optimistic and peaceful about what this year is going to bring us. I really believe in fresh starts and I know 2018 will be mine!

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How to Look Well-Rested with Brighter and Wider Eyes!

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Do you have dark circles, puffy eyes or just a sleepy looking appearance after repeatedly hitting snooze on your seven alarms? Because same. I developed a routine to de-puff and give a highlighted, lifted appearance to my under eye area, while also brightening and widening my eyes! Keep reading to see the list of products I use and the ways I apply them to look more awake!

I always wake up with puffy eyes and the Clinique “Pep-Start” Eye Cream is my go-to for hydrating and brightening! I love it for so many reasons. I’ve struggled with finding the perfect formula to lightly moisturize my under eyes before I apply concealer. Whenever eye creams are too heavy, it will cause whatever you put on top of it to look heavy and crease. This one is so lightweight, while also being hydrating, so it’s the perfect formula for A.M. application! It is cooling to the touch, which helps with de-puffing as well! I’ve also noticed that this doesn’t give me those small white bumps, which sometimes can happen with different eye creams that I’ve tried. I use a small, pea sized amount and tap it on with my ring finger since it applies the lightest amount of pressure! I wait about a minute for it to sink in and then I go onto the next step!

I’ve been using the Becca “Under Eye Brightening Corrector” for a couple years now and I can’t imagine this product not being in my daily routine! If you have stubborn dark circles that show through with even the most full coverage concealers, then you need to invest in a good corrector! This one is a peach color with light reflecting illuminators, which will counteract the blue tones in your dark circles. A little goes a long way with this product, plus it lasts all day long! I apply this with my damp beautyblender underneath my eye and in the inner corners.

After I’ve moisturized and corrected, I apply a full coverage concealer! I always purchase one that’s 1-2 shades lighter than my foundation to give a highlighted effect! My holy grail formula is the Tarte “Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer” (that’s a mouthful!) and it comes in 14 shades so you’re bound to find your perfect match! It is by far the most lightweight, full coverage formula that I’ve ever tried! It truly conceals acne, dark circles and redness so flawlessly! I always use this product with a damp beautyblender to help sheer it out slightly! If you’ve struggled with your concealer wearing off, then you NEED to try this one because it doesn’t fade during the day or look drying!

By this point, I’ve used so many creamy, liquid products underneath my eyes, that I have to set it with a powder to lock it all in and prevent any creasing! I always choose a yellow-toned, matte highlight powder to enhance the brightening effect I’m going for! Even if you have a different skin tone than me, I would still highly suggest checking out the NYX “Highlight Pro Singles” on Ulta.com! These aren’t sold in store, but I always stock up online! At only $5 a pan, they’re extremely affordable and there are 12 different shades to choose from. I was constantly buying the Anastasia highlight refills and then I discovered these, which are just as pigmented! The powder will also help smooth out any fine lines you may have, which is an added bonus!

Now that my under eyes are concealed and bright, I move onto making my eyes look big and awake! On a daily basis, I typically just apply my bronzer in my crease and take a shimmery shade all over the lid. Even when I’m rushing, I will never forget to highlight my inner corners with a shimmery, champagne eyeshadow! This makes the biggest difference in opening up your eyes and reflecting much needed light in an otherwise shadowy area! I love using this L’Oreal “Infallible Eyeshadow” in “Iced Latte” to brighten everything up! I take my pinky finger and dab the shadow on my inner corners, blending it outwards to seamlessly fade into my lid color.

I have round eyes, with a lot of lid space, so I always use eyeliner on the top lash line to help define and thicken the look of my eyelashes! Whenever I don’t put eyeliner in this area, I feel like my eyes look super tiny and tired. My favorite liners to use are the Kat Von D “Tattoo Liner” in “Trooper” for an ultra black, winged liner and I love the Marc Jacobs “Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner” in “(Earth)quake 41” for a smudged out, brown liner look! I also use the Marc Jacobs liner on my top waterline to further define that area, as well as smudged out on the outer corners of my lower lash line!

I’m pretty sure the best makeup secret to opening up your eyes and making you look awake is using a nude eyeliner in your lower waterline! The Tarte “Fake Awake Eye Highlight” is the most pigmented and long wearing one I’ve tried so far! I’ve repurchased it so many times because nothing compares! The nude color will neutralize any redness you have from having your eyes closed all night long. Using a light color in the lower waterline will help widen and brighten your eye. Back in the day, I would use a white eyeliner, but I’ve started to enjoy the more natural effect of a nude eyeliner now! If you haven’t tried this beauty hack yet, you really need to! It makes the biggest difference and I really can’t do my makeup without it!

Do you have any tips or tricks to getting a fresh and well-rested appearance when you’re really just a sleepy gal?! Let me know by leaving me a comment! I love learning new techniques from you guys! Thank you so much for reading, I hope you found this type of product review/routine helpful!

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Transitional Fall Fashion!

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I’ve slowly started to transition my Summer clothes out of my closet so I can begin replacing them with fun Fall pieces! I live in Maryland, so although we’ve experienced some 60-70 degree days in September, it has mostly been warm weather! As much as I would love to break out the blanket scarves and flannels, I have to refrain because heat stroke happens. I wanted to show you some of my favorite early Fall, transitional pieces that you can pair with Summer tops or shorts until it is cooler weather!

Loft Button Down Denim Skirt

I’m so happy denim skirts are in style again! I was obsessed with the overly distressed and embroidered versions back in the day, so I feel a little nostalgic when styling this piece! This one is so cute because of the button front detail, which is so on-trend for Fall! I’ve seen so many dresses and high waisted jeans that have this similar style! I love denim skirts because you can dress them up or down. On more casual days, I’ll wear this with a tucked-in graphic tee and sneakers. For a dressier, feminine look, I’ll pair this with a lace shirt or a pastel colored top with wedges or heels. I can even make this work for a casual work outfit with a button up shirt and a pair of flats! This is such an easy piece to transition into Fall and you will definitely get your money’s worth with the variety of looks you can create!

Loft Camo Skinny Pants

Loft has definitely become one of my favorite stores over the past year! I initially started shopping there for professional clothes, but I’ve started buying more casual pieces over the last few months and I’m so impressed with the quality! There are always great sales happening, so if you find something you like, I definitely recommend waiting for it to be discounted! I love camo print and olive green, so I was super excited whenever I saw these pants! Although they’re not for everyone, I think they’re really cute. I haven’t seen many people styling camouflage pants and I liked that they were unique in that way! Since camo print matches nothing, it kind of goes with everything, haha! I wear these with black, dark gray, cream, and burgundy tops! These also look so cute paired with a denim or leather jacket!

Old Navy Classic Ballet-Back Tee

I love wearing stripes all year long, but these cute, quarter length sleeved tees are perfect for Fall! I love buying basics from more affordable stores because they’re something I usually repurchase every year since I wear them so much! These come in so many different Fall colors and are super flattering. They have the scoop, ballet-back cut, which is so classic. I love wearing these with a low bun to showcase the back detail. You can wear these alone or easily throw a cardigan over top once it starts to get cooler. I get Parisian street-style vibes from this shirt and it is under $20! So happy about this affordable find!

Gap “Tencil” Tie-Belt Shirt Dress

I love denim dresses and this is my first one that is dark wash! I’ve only ever owned light or medium colored denim dresses so this one screamed Fall to me! It’s super weird, because I actually found this dress at Marshalls, but I also saw it in the Gap store at full-price, so I would absolutely check your Marshalls or TJ Maxx before purchasing it at a Gap store! The Tencil fabric makes it feel super soft and buttery on your skin. I love the tie-belt because it helps give the dress shape and will be very figure flattering on so many body types. I think this will look cute now with bare legs and wedges, but I’m really excited to wear it with colored tights and booties. I think this will be adorable with a large plaid blanket scarf draped around or a suede cabby hat! I am so happy I picked up this piece and I think I will be able to style it in so many different ways!

Sam Edelman Petty Ankle Bootie

I am extremely excited for these booties because first and foremost, they’re incredibly comfortable and secondly, they’re black with a brown, wood heel! I have been scouring the internet for black booties with a brown heel for months and finally discovered these! Traditionally, most come with a matching black bottom, but I think this wooden heel makes them more casual and unique! I love the contrast between dark and light and think they’ll match everything in my closet! They’re a soft suede, which screams Fall, but I’m not afraid to start wearing these now with dresses and jeans. When I checked to find a link to the shoes, I saw they’re actually on sale at Nordstrom, so if you think that you may need these (trust me, you do), I would go ahead and scoop them up now!

Nike Classic EZ Slip-On Tennis Shoe

I’ve never received more compliments on a pair of shoes than I do with these babies! I have mine in the color, “Dusted Clay/Summit White” and although they look suede online, they’re actually more of a leather fabric! The color is perfection for Fall and will match anything! They’re the perfect shoe to dress down an outfit and these are also ridiculously comfortable. I love the slip-on style because it’s not overly athletic, like you’re not going to go to the gym in these, but they give you the functionality of wearing a sneaker with a cute outfit if you plan on walking long distances or standing! These are a must-have for me and I wear them so much throughout the week because they go with everything!

As I was putting this blog post together, I realized that the photos would’ve looked much nicer if they were on a real human 😂 so let me know if you would like to see styled outfits featuring yours truly! I never really thought about doing that before, but since I really enjoy writing these fashion posts, I think it would be fun! Please let me know in the comments what kind of transitional pieces you find essential with Fall approaching! Thank you so much for reading!

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August Favorites!

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Too Faced, Matte Chocolate Chip Palette, $26.

I have been loving matte eyeshadows for my quick and easy, every day makeup routine. This little palette has all of the shades you could possibly need for a simple look! There are 11 eyeshadows included and they are all super buttery and creamy. I love that the largest shade in “White Chocolate” is an all-over cream shade that you can use to set your entire eye lid or highlight the inner corners and brow bone with. I can tell I’ve almost hit pan on this one because I use it daily! It’s also the perfect size for travel. I would compare it to the size of my hand, extremely portable and compact. I love that there is variety in the shades, you have cool/warm tones and light/dark. Having such a seamless color range helps me easily create a “put-together” eye look in less than 5 minutes! Also it smells like cocoa so I’m instantly happier each time I use it! This is limited edition, but I found it in stock on the Too Faced website! I will link everything below!

Kat Von D, Shade & Light Face Contour Palette Refill, $14.

Am I the only one who always hits pan on the highlighting/brightening shades in the contour palette first? I can never get through an entire dark bronzing/shading color! I’m so happy Kat Von D started selling refills for the shades in her infamous contour kit. The Shade & Light Palette is my absolute favorite for powder contour and highlight. Her shades are so pigmented, creamy and long lasting! The yellow, “banana” color called, “Lyric” is my absolute favorite for brightening up my under eyes. Sometimes concealer isn’t enough and I need an extra oomph of light! Setting underneath my eyes with “Lyric” helps me look well-rested and more youthful, plus it won’t give you the heinous flashback in photos like some translucent powders can! Since the back of these refills are magnetic, I typically just pop it into a small Z Palette to store it. I would highly recommend these refills if you don’t feel like buying an entire contour palette, especially if you know you’re only going to use 1 or 2 shades! Save your money and only buy what you’ll actually use!

Essence, “Make Me Brow” Eyebrow Gel Mascara, $2.99.

I’ve recently been trying out more affordable products and this eyebrow gel is incredible for the price point! I have mine in the darkest shade, “Browny Brows 02” which brings me to the one and only con I have of this product, not enough shades! At Ulta, there are only 3 shades to choose from, Blondy, Soft Browny and Browny. If you compare to a high end eyebrow brand like Anastasia Beverly Hills, they have six different tinted brow mascaras compared to Essence’s three. I think it would helpful to add a black, light blonde and a red/auburn shade. Now onto all the reasons I love this product! The formula has tiny fibers that attach to your natural hairs and help to build up thickness. My eyebrows do have sparse areas, so running this product over helps fill in any spots in a natural way. It seriously lasts all day without fading or transferring too! It has a really strong hold, so if you like to brush your hairs straight up or lay them flat, you can rest assured that they will stay in that exact style all day long. I really can’t say enough great things about it! I have tried the Benefit Gimme Brow and this is an exact dupe (if not better) and a fraction of the price!

Bite Beauty, Prismatic Pearl Creme Lip Gloss, $22.

Metallic lips are on-trend for Fall 2017! I’ve been loving this lip gloss by Bite Beauty to give me a glittery effect. You can definitely use this product in different ways based on your personal preference. I find that if I wear it on its own and apply it just like a normal lip gloss, it can be a bit too foiled for my liking. Instead, I apply a matte lipstick first, then pat this gloss onto my lips using my ring finger. I mostly just focus it onto the center of my lips to help them appear fuller and more dimensional. These last for so long, which can be rare in glitter glosses. They are also not gritty at all! You can rub your lips together and not feel a single grain of sparkle! I have mine in the shade “Champagne Pearl” because I tend to wear warm nudes on an every day basis, but if you are into more bold lip colors, I would highly recommend checking out “Peacock Pearl.” I swatched the teal/blue shade in store and was blown away by its beauty! It has a green and red shimmer throughout and looked so fun and editorial!

NARS Lipstick, $28.

This is my favorite go-to lipstick! I have the shade “Dolce Vita” and it is a sheer nude pink color. I love this so much because it makes my lips look so healthy and hydrated! This is the type of lipstick that you can put on without a mirror since it’s super creamy and light. Although it does give color to the lips, it definitely is more on the sheer side, which I really like because I can feel comfortable wearing this product at work, on the weekends, day, night, really just any occasion! Even though it is a satin finish, I find that it still lasts on my lips for 2-4 hours, which is a perfect amount of time for me! I would highly recommend these lipsticks if you’re looking for something to wear daily! They have so many shades so you’re bound to find one you love!

Thank you for reading about the products that I’ve been loving for the month of August! As always, I want to know what you are obsessed with! Please leave me a comment letting me know! Also, how crazy is it that we’re already in September?! I think this year is flying by! Like this post if you’re excited for future Fall fashion and makeup content on my blog!

Shop these products:

Too Faced Eyeshadow Palette

Kat Von D Refill PowderEssence Eyebrow Gel

Bite Beauty Lip Gloss

NARS Lipstick

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July Fashion Favorites!

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I was feeling inspired to do something fresh and different! Makeup is always going to be "my thing," but I get a lot of requests to show more of my style. I want to write more fashion posts since my taste in clothing is evolving and I think it would be something cool to document! The items I share will be pieces that I constantly wear and love. Before I spend money on anything, I always check out the reviews. Since I'm just a normal girl, with a normal life; it excites me to create honest, trustworthy content about trendy pieces you may see heavily promoted on Instagram and Facebook. I'll let you know what is really worth the hype! I hope you enjoy reading a new and different kind of post from me! Let me know if you would enjoy seeing more fashion posts on my blog!


Marc Fisher LTD, "Adalyn Espadrille Wedge Sandal"

These shoes are definitely my favorite for summer! I really only bought them after reading countless bloggers claim that they were the most comfortable wedge. They are pricey, but I personally could create countless outfits incorporating these shoes, so I was able to justify it! They really are comfortable and easy to walk in, while providing some much needed height! (I'm only 5'3) I did purchase mine in the "Tan/Saddle" color because I knew they would match my entire wardrobe. I have worn these shoes with dresses, skirts, jeans, shorts, and they work every time! I definitely think they'll transition nicely into Fall because they are suede. I would pair these with distressed denim and a slouchy sweater or an oversized cardigan once the weather gets cooler. If you've been on the fence about these, I would say you should go for it! I'm so happy I decided to take the plunge because I wear them weekly. I did order a half-size down and went with a 7, which was the perfect fit!


Quay Australia, "Needing Frame 65mm Aviator Sunglasses" (Forgot to take a photo of these, so I inserted a product image from Nordstrom 😂🙈)

After seeing Jennifer Lopez (my role model) wear these on Instagram, I knew I had to try them out for myself. What's good enough for J.Lo, is good enough for me! I have received countless compliments from complete strangers and I love telling them, "They're only 55 bucks!" Compared to my beloved Ray-Ban Aviators, that's a complete steal! These are lighter in weight, which makes them super comfortable. I love the oversized look and super dark frames! These also have gold detailing, which is my personal preference in metal accents. I can see why so many people hype up Quay sunglasses! I really would like to try another pair, so let me know the name of your favorite frame style!


Zella, "Live In High Waist Leggings"

I was a LuluLemon snob and totally bought into the hype. I just assumed that I had to pay an arm and a leg to not have my booty show through my leggings. I was wrong and Zella showed me that. If you have been on the hunt for leggings that are thick enough to be opaque and comfortable enough to not interfere with your breathing, than look no further! I truly prefer these over any other high end legging that I've tried! The price is right at $54 and I can throw these in the wash 100 times and they still look brand new. I love all things "high waist" and these are no exception! The cut is so slimming and will give you the most flattering shape! You can wear these to work out or underneath an oversized flannel, even with a baggy sweater for a casual Fall outfit, literally anything! I have gotten so many of my friends hooked on these babies because I cannot recommend them enough!


Joe's Jeans

Continuing with the pants theme, may I introduce you to the best jeans I've ever owned? No joke, these are hands down worth every penny and I don't think I'll ever try another brand again! I have shorts, distressed and regular styles and they're all my favorite. First and foremost, these jeans are comfortable. I find myself coming home and keeping them on for hours, rather than immediately changing into comfy sweats as my jeans from yesteryear forced me to do. Secondly, the waist is stretchy, but doesn't stretch out. There's few things worse than putting on jeans and within a couple of hours of wear, finding yourself yanking on belt loops, hoisting the disappointing denim back up. Joe's Jeans magically keep their shape, so you never have to worry about anything being uncomfortably tight or indecently loose. Regardless of how many times they're washed, they do not lose their color! I've noticed that the fading is so minimal that all of my pairs still look brand new. The skinny ankle style fits someone 5'4 and under at a normal length, so I would highly recommend that to short gals like me that have a hard time finding jeans that fit in all the right places!


Kendra Scott, "Elisa Pendant Necklace"

I've been wanting a piece of jewelry from Kendra Scott for so long! I was recently on vacation and came across this dainty necklace and knew I had to have it! It's the perfect length for anything, casual or dressy, it just works. You can totally layer it with other delicate necklaces for a trendy stacked effect. It is a shorter chain and sits right above my neckline. I also love the rose colored stone, but they have a ton of other options to choose from as well! It's very affordable in my opinion for something I wear every day. If you enjoy minimalistic jewelry that feels and looks luxurious, then I would highly recommend you try out the "Elisa Pendant Necklace." Even though jewelry preferences are so personal, I feel like this would be a great gift since it is very simple and versatile!

Thank you so much for reading! I really enjoyed writing about my fashion favorites, so let me know if would enjoy this type of content! You can purchase all of these items at Nordstrom and I will leave links below! I also wanted to thank everyone who has recently followed me on Instagram! I'm having so much fun posting and interacting with you all! I hope everyone has a great week!

Marc Fisher Wedges
Quay Sunglasses
Zella Leggings
Joe's Jeans
Kendra Scott Necklace

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